ShARRP John Holmes Beth Collinson, PhD. Thank you so much for having me - completely agree, your panel members are awesome and gave so much helpful feedback. I look forward to reporting back!

***NEW MUP EVALUATION REPORT*** Our final report evaluating the impact of minimum unit pricing in Scotland on harmful drinkers is available here: publichealthscotland.scot/publications/e…

Also, remember harmful drinkers are ~5% of the Scottish population. MUP was targeted at this group. Only around ~1% of the Scottish population are dependent on alcohol. MUP was not really targeting this group, who are better supported by other approaches (e.g. treatment)

Finding 2: There was no clear evidence MUP reduced alcohol consumption or dependence severity in this group. BUT Remember we have evidence from other studies that MUP reduced alcohol sales, including among the highest purchasing households bmj.com/content/366/bm…

So when we say 'NO CLEAR EVIDENCE of a reduction in consumption', we chose our words carefully. There is evidence and counter-evidence. We definitely can't conclude MUP reduced consumption among people drinking harmfully but we're also not able to conclude that it didn't.

Finding 4: There was little evidence of wider negative or harmful effects in areas including: - Illicit drug use; - Theft or other crime; - Drinking non-beverage alcohol (e.g. mouthwash); - Acute withdrawal symptoms.

One tricky area though is whether the switch from drinking beer or cider to drinking spirits led to increased intoxication and then to increased violence. CRUCIAL POINT: We found qualitative evidence of increased intoxication but only CONCERNS about increased violence.

Please, please, please do not claim that MUP led to increased violence. We have no evidence of that. It's a legitimate concern. It is an important area for future research. But it is not a finding from our study.

PS: At no point in our report or the press materials do we refer to people with dependence as alcoholics.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotla…

We have one slot available for a researcher to gain public and patient involvement #PPI at our next meeting on Thursday 28th July. Reach out if you're a drug and alcohol/ mental health and/ or gambling researcher as we may be able to support your work

The Phoenix is a free recovery resource, allowing people to connect with others and access meaningful activities on demand and virtually, anytime, anywhere. Download their App or reach out to Beth Collinson, PhD. to learn more

Phoenix UK 2.0! Thanks to everyone for showing up, supporting one another, and being incredible #PhoenixIsRising Want to get involved? Drop me a DM or check out our website thephoenix.org

There is still one slot available at this meeting. Researchers, get involved. If you're planning or undertaking research in the #addiction #recovery field, get in touch with ShARRP. This is the kind of input your work should not miss out on!

I finished my PhD about 2 months ago, and I just want to share that: *I spent >5 of 6yrs convinced that I was uniquely behind or lost or dumb *I worked 50+hrs some weeks but 15 others *Rest and hobbies helped my science Struggling doesn't mean you don't belong. OpenAcademics

A full agenda for this month's meeting. Looking forward to being joined by three researchers who have all previously engaged in the panel. Some will discuss new work, others will update on work, and others will present finished projects. A great mix!

Our panel members had the opportunity to work with Beth and develop her research. Her thesis, which can accessed below, details our work and input within this ⬇️

Its finally here the moment you've all been waiting for registrations are open for teams of recovery warriors. Do you have what it takes to become the Recovery Games champions 2022. forms.office.com/r/3hi6PKwyGG #RGames22

"Don't overlook the power of conversation. When we choose not to engage with people because of their stereotypes or prejudices, we give up on opening their minds"